This should be a top priority, particularly for practices that may wish to expand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chris McElvy, senior trainer at Cloud 9 Software<\/a>, explains that cloud-based software allows orthodontists to use one database for multiple locations across a city, or even across the country in the case of large dental or orthodontic service organizations (DSOs\/OSOs). \u201c[A] reason we work well with DSOs is because they can customize things for each individual location if they have different branding,\u201d says McElvy, a 10-year Cloud 9<\/a> veteran. \u201cBecause we\u2019re cloud-based, they don\u2019t have to run their own servers and they can pull our data in a way that makes it really easy for them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cloud-based and\/or browser-based software means that anybody can get data from anywhere in the world, as long as they have internet connectivity. \u201cDoctors could be on vacation in Italy and looking at patient charts and treatment plans,\u201d McElvy enthuses. \u201cCommunication with staff can be relayed and started. Virtual consults have been a big piece. During Covid when offices were stuck at home, they were still able to get into their database and get all the patient data they needed.\u201d Phyllis J. Fernandez, senior director of client onboarding at Cloud 9 Software<\/a>, echoes the benefits of remote management while urging prospective software buyers to make sure they focus on a system with good tools to manage the practice at all levels. She stresses that great practice management software goes beyond the basics without neglecting<\/em> the basics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For Fernandez, that means excellent patient records, a solid imaging system, integrated scheduling, reliable communications, and intuitive financials\/insurance billing. That last component is key. The fact is a practice management system that can make the practice\u2019s financials easier to handle can be a lifesaver. After all, making a mistake can have consequences for the practice\u2019s bottom line. \u201cFor offices that don\u2019t manage the billing well,\u201d Fernandez says, \u201cthere is a high delinquency rate of collections.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Equally important is a platform that has robust that facilitates communication across a number of tools\u2014from texting to email. Rigorously organized patient communication will prevent many headaches down the road, and any program that fosters correspondence should include the ability to securely send documents via e-mail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Software companies will tout their prowess in convincing ways. As you do your research on the various products out there, you will end up listening to a number of presentations and reading online reviews. These are helpful, but, particularly in the case of company presentations, it\u2019s only one side of the story. To combat the inherent bias of the software company, Fernandez recommends calling people who are actually using the software that you wish to buy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt\u2019s important to use reviews as a tool,\u201d she says, \u201cbut I think it\u2019s more important to talk to people who use the software and are able to share their experiences. They can share reasons why they chose one software over another because I guarantee you they\u2019ve done their due diligence and they interviewed other software companies.\u201d Fernandez cautions prospective buyers to beware of hidden fees. \u201cThose hidden fees are typically generated in support contracts,\u201d she warns. \u201cOnce customers are locked into that software, the support fee jumps tremendously after 2 years\u2014so read all the fine print of your contract.<\/p>\n\n\n\n McElvy urges software buyers to only choose companies that are militantly dedicated to improvement and evolution. For its part, Cloud 9<\/a> used to be written on what\u2019s known as a SilverLight platform. For the good of clients, developers rewrote the program in HTML 5.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHTML 5 is faster and opens the door for developers to do a lot more stuff,\u201d McElvy confirms. \u201cBasically all of our clients are going to be fully using HTML 5 by the end of this year.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n2. Opt for a Platform That Allows for Remote Connectivity<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Staff\"](\"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Is_the_staff_functional.jpg\")
<\/p>\n\n\n\n3. Look for Tools to Manage the Practice at All Levels<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
4. Talk to Actual Users Before You Buy<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Burst_Hidden_Fees.png\")
<\/p>\n\n\n\n5. Watch Out for the Hidden Fees<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
6. Choose a Platform That is Always Evolving<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n